What Are We to Do? 

   In the gospel reading at Mass today (Luke 3: 10 – 18), John the Baptist gave advice to those who were coming to him for baptism.  To the crowds he said that those who had two cloaks should give one to another who had none.  He warned the tax collectors to stop collecting more than what was required.  Soldiers were not to practice extortion, or make false accusations, and to be satisfied with their wages.

   What was written then remains relevant today.  We should ask what we are to do.  What changes should be evident in our lives if we are Christian?  There are almost as many answers as there are those who ask.

   God has blessed us, and we should joyfully share those blessings with others.  Whether it be money, time, or material goods, we need to help those in need.  In sharing we not only help others, but we also help ourselves become less attached to worldly goods.

   Society is sick with immorality in so many ways.  We may not be able to change it overnight, but we can allow our faith to be evident in our life.  We can reject the depraved and praise the Godly in everyday life.  We can begin by rejecting the filth the entertainment industry produces, or the lies and deception of the new media.  We can put politicians on notice that we will not vote for those who promote immorality in our society.  Our actions and our way of life are the best means of evangelizing for the Lord. 

   There are many things we can and should do, but do we have the courage to do them?  We won’t be popular with others who seem to believe they are the arbiters of right and wrong.  Even our own families and friends may take offense.  But the true offense is the disrespect shown to our Lord if we refuse to speak up and live the truth. 

What are we to do Lord?

How should we change our life?

Teach us your ways.

Strengthen us to follow them. 

Amen